Robert Logan Nugent Award

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Alicia Salazar Contreras is graduating with dual degrees in speech, language, and hearing sciences and Spanish from the University of Arizona. A first-generation Hispanic student born and raised in Tucson, Alicia has witnessed firsthand the gaps in resources available to Spanish-speaking communities, particularly for individuals in need of speech and language services. These experiences inspired her commitment to advocating for her community and working to expand research and clinical representation for Spanish-speaking populations in the United States. 

During her time as an undergraduate, Alicia participated in research as both a McNair and FUERZA Scholar. Through this work, she helped develop Sopa de Pescado, a Spanish-language reading passage designed to support the differential diagnosis of motor speech disorders. Created with Spanish speakers in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands in mind, the passage aims to encourage more culturally and linguistically responsive clinical practices. 

Beyond research, Alicia has demonstrated a strong commitment to service. She served as an interpreting lead team member for ARSOBO, a humanitarian aid organization based in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, that provides free monthly audiological services to individuals in need. She also completed a year-long internship with the Tucson Unified School District, where she assisted a bilingual speech-language pathologist in providing services for bilingual children throughout the Tucson area. 

After graduation, Alicia plans to pursue a master's degree in speech-language pathology and become a clinically certified bilingual speech-language pathologist. Her goal is to support and advocate for underserved Spanish-English bilingual communities in Tucson by providing culturally responsive speech and language services. 

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Lane Vazquez Luna is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry with a minor in classics. A Hispanic first-generation college student from El Mirage, Arizona, Lane found a home in Tucson, where he developed a deep commitment to service, inclusion, and mentorship at the University of Arizona. 

Early in his undergraduate career, Lane immersed himself in service opportunities across campus and Tucson. Through the university's pre-health club MexZona, he volunteered at a community clinic where he provided translation support to Spanish-speaking patients. This experience sparked his passion for patient care and strengthened his commitment to serving underrepresented communities. He also volunteered with the Campus Pantry to address food insecurity, and with Campus Health's Stressbusters program, promoting mental health and helping reduce stress among college students. 

Lane's academic interests led him to become a preceptor for a biochemical laboratory techniques course under the mentorship of Dr. Juliana Sacoman. In this role, he helped guide aspiring biochemists through foundational laboratory methods and supported multiple cohorts of students as they developed skills essential for research and scientific careers. 

After completing the course and developing a strong interest in protein chemistry, Lane joined the McKay Laboratory in the College of Medicine – Tucson's Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. There, he conducted independent research on protein interactions related to glaucoma, with the goal of identifying potential drug targets and diagnostic tools. Under the mentorship of Dr. Brian McKay, Lane presented his research at local and international conferences. 

Mentorship has played a defining role in Lane's journey, inspiring him to support others in the same way he was supported. He served as a mentor to incoming chemistry and biochemistry students, helping them navigate their transition to the university. He also mentored fellow scholars within his scholarship program, connecting students with resources and opportunities. 

Lane is a recipient of the Dorrance Scholarship, which supports first-generation college students and provides opportunities for global experiences and enrichment in the humanities. Through the university's Eye Care Initiative Club, he also participated in Western University of Health Sciences' Summer Health Professions Education Program, where he explored health disparities and health policy in optometry. 

After graduation, Lane plans to pursue a professional degree in optometry. He hopes to combine his interests in science, service, and policy to advocate for underserved communities and promote more equitable access to health care.